Timeline Of Events At Memorial Middle School

January 30, 1995

September 1991: Jimmy Markham, a new fifth-grader, begins to suffer from sinus problems.

June 1992: The Brooks Co. of Weston does an air quality study, reporting there are high fungal and bacterial concentrations. The firm recommends thorough cleaning of classrooms. Carpets are professionally cleaned and a dehumidifier purchased for one room; rooms continue to be kept as clean as possible.

September 1992: Jimmy Markham transferred to Strong Middle School on advice of doctor.

November 1992: The Brooks Co. is hired again for staff interviews and a second air study. The firm reports in December that it found moderate fungal and bacterial populations, in much lower levels than in previous study. Interviews with staff reveal frequent teacher complaints of headaches and stuffy noses.

February 1993: The district hires the Yale University Occupational Medicine Group. The group finds the school's air does not meet air quality standards set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers. The team makes 13 recommendations, among them to balance and evaluate the ventilation system. The district follows all of the recommendations.

Spring/summer 1993: The Yale team resurveys the school and reports the air still does not meet standards. The team recommends installation of an air filtering system, which the district later installs. The Markhams file intent-to-sue documents.

August 1994: The Markhams sue the Region 13 school district in Middlesex Superior Court, seeking unspecified damages in excess of $15,000. The suit is still pending.

September 1994: Fifth-grader Jennifer Helmedach begins to suffer from frequent headaches, allergies and sinus problems. In October her mother decides to keep her at home. Jennifer is schooled by a tutor paid for by Regional School District 13.

Jan. 11, 1995: The Region 13 Board of Education rules the school district has not denied Jennifer a school placement because the district has offered to put her in a different class, which the Helmedach family refuses to consider.

Jan. 19, 1995: Lori Helmedach approaches the state special-education division for a hearing, and agrees to enter mediation with Region 13 school officials while awaiting a hearing date.